Leaving (2011)

Bailey Flanigan starts her own series with a chance to go to Broadway. The Cody dilemma continues and will likely continue through this series. I'm glad she kept us up to date on the Baxter family, at least as far as Ashley and Landon are concerned. ( )

I always enjoy reading books by Karen Kingsbury. It is a refreshing christian book that feeds my soul - and sometimes your just need that! I recommend any of her novels. ( )

Let's start with what I liked about the book. It was a well written and engaging book. I enjoyed the characters and I thought the plot line was creative and believable. I liked the pace that she set for the book- especially knowing this was going to be a multi-book series.What I wasn't a fan of. Well, it reminded me of the first time I watched the tv show One Tree Hill. It was engaging, entertaining, but by the end of the show- I still had no idea who anyone was. I felt like I missed a lot (and from not reading the Baxter series- I know I did). I wish she would have put some sort of 2 page summary in the beginning of the book explaining who everyone was. The other thing that really confused me.... what was the point of Landon's plotline? Are they even related? Why are there two separate stories going on at the same time that are completely unrelated?PS- I am glad the author toned down the self praise about Unlocked by the 3rd chapter. I get it was supposed to be tongue in cheek, but it was a little overdone.So that is what I thought- not a good Kingsbury story to start with, but a decent read. ( )

Karen Kingsbury is one of those writers who always seems to write a good book. She uplifts and inspires while allowing us a peek at the lives of the characters she creates,and with her series books she always leaves us wanting more.
Learning is the second book in the Bailey Flanigan series, and while I think it could be read as a stand alone book, you will certainly want to read the first book in the series titled Leaving. The plot revolves around Cody Coleman and Bailey Flanigan young adults who are following their dreams while following God as well. In this book Bailey has landed a role on Broadway while Cody is teaching. The author tells their stories making us feel like we are following along with our friends, allowing us to experience their ups and downs their hopes and dreams, and she does it in such a way that allows us to realize how God can work in our lives. If your looking for a book that you wouldn't mind sharing with your teen daughter or just want an uplifting story that will make you laugh and cry, then pick up this book, although I must warn you once you start reading Karen Kingsburys' work you won't be satisfied until you have read everything she has written.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. ( )

Fans of Karen Kingsbury's books about the Baxters will love this first in a series regarding the adult life of Bailey Flanagan, one of the kids who was a member of the Christian kid's theatre group in Bloomington, Indiana. Karen has a breezy, light style that makes for quick and enjoyable reading and her books promote Christian faith without ramming it down the reader's throat. ( )